The Scrap Metal

Recycling Industry in

Australia

Overview of the Industry

A market report presented by

IBISWorld states that the scrap

metal recycling industry in

Australia is earning about two

billion dollars in revenue. Many

estimate that this will even have a

higher level of market share

concentration with 77.6% industry

revenue in 2014-15.

At present, there are 121

businesses related to metal

recycling in the country with nearly

2,420 employees. These

businesses are often part of the

secondary recovery of recycled

scrap metals, such as steel,

copper, aluminium, lead, nickel,

titanium and zinc. Their job does

not only involve collecting, but also

turning scrap metals into new

materials that Australians may find

beneficial.

Scrap metal is a highly recyclable material. Many countries around the world

have made a move in making sure that they recycle metals through end of

life product collections and legislations. As for Australia, the country has its

own activities to make sure that every individual and business will join them

in this eco-friendly movement.

Clean Up Australia Day, a movement that aims to inspire Australians to clean

their environment, reports that about 17.5% of litter collected across the country

is scrap metal. Most of these are a result of illegal dumping of automobiles and

construction waste. If everybody in Australia were aware that scrap metals are

recyclable, then they would not dump and promote energy savings.

Recycling scrap metals help minimise the need for manufacturers to go mining

and produce new materials. When they recycle more, the burden goes down for

both the environment and the economy.

Scrap Metal as Litter

Australia consumes about 450,000

tonnes of aluminium and other

metals for building, construction,

packaging and transport purposes

per year. Producing metals involves

land degradation due to mining,

intensive use of water and

greenhouses gases when burning

fossil fuels. These activities alone

are enough proof of how recycling

metal can benefit different

industries.

Sources:

http://www.cleanup.org.au/PDF/au/scrap-metal-recycling-factsheet.pdf

http://www.ibisworld.com.au/industry/scrap-metal-recycling.html

http://www.rawmetalcorp.com.au/